Chapter 65
MILA
Song- Fall for me, Sleep Token.
“What about this one?” Elena asks, pulling out another white dress from the rack.
I must have tried on close to twenty. I hate every single one.
“It’s pretty.” I tell her, but I’m still not feeling it.
We’ve already bought her outfit, so I can see why she’s starting to get bored.
Nikolai is back at the villa Enzo sent us to with Daniil. I have to say, it’s beautiful. Right on the Amalfi Coast. A picturesque backdrop of the ocean, a perfect warm breeze and sunshine.
And the best part, it is just the four of us.
I’m not sure how that will go down with the rest of Nikolai’s pack, but it felt right for us. Time away as a family and we’ll arrive home an official unit.
I will become Mrs. Volkov.
It’s the one thing I am certain of in life, I want this.
Brushing my hands along the silky gowns, I look up in the back corner of the room to see there’s a selection of colored dresses.
“Let’s look at those.” I point. Elena gives me a questioning look, similar to how her father does.
I rummage through the rack and that’s when I see it.
A stunning navy blue floor-length dress, halter neck style that opens up in the middle to reveal some cleavage.
Nikolai’s favorite color. And, it fits perfectly.
This is the one. It has to be. It’s the first time I have felt any kind of emotion over some fabric.
“I’ll take this.”
The assistant pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
“This isn’t a bridal dress.”
“Says who?” I counter.
“I will wear what makes me and my husband happy. Isn’t that right, Elena?”
“Yep. We wear what makes us smile.”
I squeeze her hand as we watch the woman package it.
“Daddy will think you are the most beautiful woman on the planet with that.” She beams.
“I think he will love both of his girl’s outfits, baby. Now, shall we go get ready?”
She nods.
“Does this mean you officially become my mommy?”
I chew on the inside of my mouth. I was anticipating this question, yet, hoping for Nikolai to provide me some guidance. So, I do what feels right.
I crouch down to her level and hold her hands in mine.
“I can never replace your mommy, Elena. You will always remember her and she will always be yours, okay?”
She sniffles and I pull her in for a hug.
“But that doesn’t mean, I won’t do all the things a mommy will do for their daughter. I will love you as if you’re mine. I promise you that. Does that sound okay?”
“So, like a second mommy?”
I nod and wipe the tear from her cheek.
“Yes, baby. Me and your daddy will be there for whatever you need. We’re a family.”
I stand on the balcony spinning the sparkling engagement ring, letting the ocean breeze blow my curls.
Gripping onto the rails, I look down at the pastel purple flowers decorating our courtyard. It looks breathtaking down there. Even if it is a wedding with a total of two guests.
Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I soak in the blazing heat.
The last few months replay in my head.
That first touch from Nikolai.
My first smile from Elena.
Getting my brother back.
My seven minutes.
I wonder what Tyler saw in his. I hope his betrayal is replayed on a loop and continues to do so.
No, I don’t mean that really. He saved me all those years ago. It doesn’t stop it hurting.
It doesn’t stop me wishing it was different. He could have been here right now.
He chose the wrong side.
At least I can die knowing I did the right thing. I put love first.
I chose family.
“Daddy is ready for you! He said hurry your butt downstairs.” Elena shoves her hands on her hips for the ultimate effect.
I wipe away a stray tear and smooth down my dress.
“Let’s go, we can’t keep him waiting can we?” I smile at her and she shakes her head.
“No. Daddy is strict with that.”
I laugh.
Oh, I know all too well how rigid her father can be.
I lead Elena down the steps and we collect our bouquets from the counter and make our way over to the sliding doors.
With her hand in mine, we step outside.
Daniil nods to me. That tells me everything I need to know. Sometimes, we don’t speak with words. But, he’s proud of me.
The world stops spinning for a second as Nikolai looks up, his blue eyes piercing into mine.
Enough to take all the air from my lungs and set my skin on fire.
A smile lights up his face, my favorite expression of his. I call it the “head chopper” rather than the “panty dropper”.
Works for me though.
It always will.